NSW UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FALLS TO 4.9 PER CENT

Unemployment in NSW has fallen to a four-year low, with ABS figures once again confirming that the State has the strongest jobs market in the nation. Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian welcomed the news that the NSW unemployment rate is the lowest in the nation, falling 0.1 per cent to 4.9 per cent in September. The result is well below the national result of 5.6 per cent. Excluding NSW, the unemployment rate for the rest of Australia is 5.9 per cent.

“To achieve a four-year low is yet another exceptional result for the State’s strong jobs market,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“In fact, it has been almost 15 years since NSW’s unemployment rate has been this far below the rest of Australia.” The official data, released today, showed that for 16 consecutive months NSW has had the lowest unemployment rate of all states. The state with the second lowest unemployment result was Victoria, where the rate rose to 5.7 per cent.

In the 12 months to September 68,900 new jobs were added in NSW, with employment growing at 1.8 per cent – faster than the national rate of 1.4 per cent.

“The NSW Government is investing in quality infrastructure and services and this is continuing to deliver strong results for jobs and our economy,” Ms Berejiklian said. “NSW has the number one economy in the nation and that means great opportunities for employment and growth right across the State.”